"The Dart of Dissension (Part 1)"

 

Satan's Destructive Dart Series - "Only by pride cometh contentions; but with the well advised is wisdom."

     Dissension and disunity are oft-used darts that Satan launches against believers. It could be strongly argued that pride was at the root of Lucifer's fall, and even to this day Satan desires to ruin fellowships, churches, and godly ministers and ministries through this same means. At the core of all discord and conflict wafts the rotten stench of pride. Today's text tells us that when one is offended about something or feels affronted by another, the foundation for this offense is a sense of self-importance on the part of the wounded party. Each of the New Testament writers of Scripture emphasized the need for selfless love toward brothers and sisters in CHRIST. Paul focused on this truth in his epistle to the church at Philippi, and the theme of this entire letter is unity that stems from being "of the same mind in the LORD" (Philippians 4:2 pictured above) and having the mind of CHRIST (Philippians 2:1-5). This mindset entails meekness and humility.

     The Apostle John emphasized the importance of love for the brethren as proof of being in proper fellowship with the LORD (1st.John 2:9-11 pictured above). The Apostle Peter made it clear that we should have a fervent love for one another, for it is this "charity," or agape, that will "cover the multitude of sins" (1st.Peter 4:8 pictured below). Yes, others will hurt us, and we will wrong others because we are not perfect. However, when we put on the mind of CHRIST, we will not let pride hinder the way of unity and love for the brethren.

     Once again, we can quench this dart of dissension with the shield of faith. When we accept that GOD knows best and we obey HIS charge to be loving and selfless, we will experience true unity in the body of CHRIST that is a little taste of Heaven on Earth. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

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